GUILTY! The FA hand out five game ban to Nicolas Anelka over quenelle gesture

GUILTY: The FA have rejected Anelka's protests that the quenelle wasn't offensive [GETTY]

Anelka said he made the quenelle salute in support of a comedian friend, Dieudonne M'bala M'bala, but the FA deemed the offence to be more serious than that.

It means he will face a five match ban and have to pay an £80,000 fine, pending appeal.

The FA confirmed the ruling in a statement.

The FA said: "An Independent Regulatory Commission has found an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 against Nicolas Anelka proven and has issued a five-match suspension and a fine of £80,000, pending appeal.

BANNED: Anelka didn't consider the quenelle to be offensive but an FA panel have decided otherwise [GETTY]

“An Independent Regulatory Commission has found an aggravated breach of FA Rule E3 against Nicolas Anelka”

The FA

"The West Bromwich Albion player has also been ordered to complete a compulsory education course.

"The Independent Regulatory Commission will provide written reasons for its decision in due course.

"Mr Anelka has the right to appeal the decision. Mr Anelka must notify The FA of his intention to appeal within seven days of receipt of the written reasons.

"The penalty is suspended until after the outcome of any appeal, or the time for appealing expires, or Mr Anelka notifies The FA of his decision not to appeal."